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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Enkidu wish he had done to the gate of the Cedar Forest?

2. Including animals, how many lovers does Gilgamesh say that Ishtar has had?

3. What does the old man tell Gilgamesh when he reaches the opposite shore?

4. Ishtar asks her father to give her ______________.

5. Which god does not want either man to die?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Gilgamesh begins lamenting for Enkidu at the earliest glimmer of morning light. When he walks the mountain paths he is in complete darkness but emerges into the radiant light of a garden. The emergence of a man from darkness into first light can be compared to rebirth and renewal. Consider these ideas and images while discussing Gilgamesh's grief process and Enkidu's burial.

Essay Topic 2

Tablet 3, Column 6, Line 229 notes that Gilgamesh cries after an unrecorded address by the elders. Why do you think the young hero cries at this point? Is he behaving like a pouty child who is being prevented from having his way? Or does Gilgamesh have a moment of realization where the weight of what he has vowed to accomplish hits him? Epic heroes cannot back out of boasts once they are issued so Gilgamesh must follow through with his stated intentions.

Essay Topic 3

Gilgamesh has been on a great journey since he first met Enkidu. Enkidu is Gilgamesh's equal and the two have great adventures. However, Enkidu also represents the qualities that Gilgamesh lacks. Discuss Gilgamesh's journey to discover his own weaknesses and how he does or does not learn to accept them.

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This section contains 316 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample